‘We have heard a fresh call from God. To see 250,000 churches active as transformation centres in their communities over the coming three to five years,’ says Nigel Harris, Tearfund’s Chief Executive. That’s nearly ten times more than we work with now. It’s a bold step. But we believe prayer will be crucial to see that vision become a reality. Over the next two weeks, pray for an increase in our Transforming Communities work through local churches in Africa.
Sunday 30 June
Tearfund has been helping churches transform their communities for many years. We do this by providing innovative training through local churches around the world so that they can help their communities use their own skills and resources to lift themselves out of poverty. Ask God to bless this work as we seek to increase it tenfold.
Monday 1 July
‘We have so much to thank God for!’ said Hebdavi Kyeya, Tearfund’s East and Central Africa Director. These were his opening words at the Transforming Communities gathering in Kigali, Rwanda, last September. Praise God that representatives from 22 African countries took part.
Tuesday 2 July
‘As a bishop, the Lord compels me to transform wherever I am,’ said Rt Rev Dr Manasseh Gahima, Bishop of the Gahini Anglican Diocese, Rwanda, in his welcome speech at the gathering. Pray that more church leaders will capture this vision of churches transforming communities.
Wednesday 3 July
Tearfund’s Transforming Communities programmes not only benefit those who attend, they also have a knock-on impact on their wider community. Our research shows that nine out of ten communities that receive our innovative training go on to improve or build facilities like water points, schools and health clinics. Pray that communities who benefit will recognise God’s provision through his church.
Thursday 4 July
Dr Stephen Mbogo, from Kenya, said this at the gathering: ‘We all know the impact of poverty – the mission of Tearfund is a tough one. But it is also one that puts a smile on my face because it changes lives.’ Pray that more people in Kenya, where an estimated 4.4 million people face hunger, will benefit from Tearfund’s life-changing work transforming communities.
Friday 5 July
‘The goal of Transforming Communities is to empower people to transform their situations sustainably and holistically using the resources God has given them,’ said Bishop Pedaculi Birakengana from Burundi. Pray that God, through this training, will open the eyes of people to see the resources around them.
Saturday 6 July
In his address, Rev Dr Fohle Lygunda from the Democratic Republic of Congo said, ‘Jesus proclaimed, “I will build my church”. It has always been the church's mission to transform.’ Ask God to transform the mindset of pastors about the role of the church to be transformational in communities.
